BRANDS

Baselworld 2016 Preview – Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman 2016 Watch

Although we have almost two months until Baselworld 2016 opens its door on March 17, a few watchmakers have already previewed some of their novelties. Among them there is the house of Hamilton which will pay homage to the iconic submersible timepiece created for the U.S. naval “frogmen” teams and featured in the 1951 smash-hit movie The Frogmen by launching a special edition timepiece inspired with the Hamilton’s very first timepiece into the movie industry.

The brand’s foray into film industry has its roots in its military reputation that dates back to the World War I and II when Hamilton supplied the American military.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman 2016 is housed in large titanium case measuring 46mm in diameter. The first thing that catches attention are oversized “canteen” crowns which come with screw-down caps that shield them from shock and accidental release. The caps are then held on by a chain or armature. This is inspired by the historic crown locking mechanism of the brand’s Frogman watches from 1940’s.

The sporty case incorporates a red unidirectional rotating bezel and it is constructed to resist water pressure up to 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet). Its case also features a helium valve and it is built to meet the high demands of the watch’s underwater vocation.

Underneath the front sapphire glass, lies a sleek, black dial with luminescent triple-faceted hands. You can also see a red-trimmed tip of the seconds hand which highlights its role as an operating indicator and a vital feature of diver’s timepiece.

The reverse side of the watch features a solid case-back with a scuba diver motif which is a nod to its maritime mission.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman 2016 is attached to a rubber strap that features an unexpected tone-on-tone central section and ribbed exterior that creates a nice texture and perfect color contrasts.

The beating heart of the new Hamilton timepiece is the H-10 caliber which is capable to provide enough energy to keep the watch ticking for about 80 hours. The watch comes in a special packaging inspired by a typical navy porthole.

Hamilton will also offer a smaller version of the Khaki Navy Frogman Watch with the diameter of 42mm. This newcomer is powered with the same mechanism and the only difference, besides the size, is its water resistance – with smaller body comes lower water resistance of 300 meters (approximately 1,000 feet).